The Red Sea coastline of Saudi Arabia is home to some of the region’s most important sea turtle nesting grounds. Among them, Ras Baridi, near Yanbu, stands out as a critical site for the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
Since 2021, KAUST Beacon Development (KBD) has led the Ras Baridi Turtle Conservation Initiative (RBTCI), protecting these fragile populations through direct conservation, scientific research, and community engagement.
What began as nightly patrols of the nesting beaches has grown into one of Saudi Arabia’s longest-standing and most comprehensive turtle conservation efforts, combining hands-on protection with cutting-edge monitoring technologies.
Every nesting season since 2021, trained wardens patrol Ras Baridi’s sandy beaches nightly to:
Safeguard nesting females and emerging hatchlings.
Collect vital biological and ecological data.
Rescue turtles facing immediate threats such as entanglement, lighting disorientation, or beach debris.
At the same time, KBD has integrated advanced scientific tools to study turtle populations and their environment. This includes drone mapping of beach topography, environmental sensors to monitor tides and temperatures, and genetic studies to understand how Ras Baridi turtles are connected to other populations across the Red Sea.
This combination of boots-on-the-ground protection and scientific innovation ensures both immediate impact and long-term insights into the health and survival of the turtle population.
Studied and individually identified, creating the most detailed population database for the Red Sea.
From lighting disorientation and safely guided to the sea.
From nesting beaches, improving conditions for turtles and other wildlife.
Engaged through local and international education programs, raising awareness and building community support.
The Initiative demonstrates how long-term, science-driven conservation can deliver measurable results for wildlife, people, and the environment. Through nightly patrols, advanced monitoring, and community education, KBD and its partners are protecting a globally significant nesting site, ensuring that green and hawksbill turtles continue to return to Ras Baridi generation after generation. This initiative is not only a success story for Saudi Arabia’s marine conservation but also a symbol of what is possible when science, stewardship, and community come together.
Safeguarding one of the largest green turtle nesting sites in the Red Sea.
Building knowledgeUsing science to understand how climate change and human pressures affect turtle survival.
Engaging communitiesInspiring conservation action through education and outreach.
With a multidisciplinary team of over 150 professionals KBD combines local talent with global experts under one roof. Our mission is to drive transformative change and help achieve the nation’s Vision 2030 by providing strategic, science-backed solutions.
